Draco leaned against the back of the chair. He remained deep in thought. He was not sure how long he had been sitting there looking into the fire. He was brought out of his thoughts with the sound of crying. Draco rose and pushed down the thought of wanting to punch Hermione. He walked to Harry's room. He knocked but opened it without waiting for a reply that he would not understand.
Draco walked over to the bed and sat on the edge of it. He pulled Harry into his arms ignoring the snake, who seemed to back off and curl up on the pillow and content to watch. "Magic can be both good and bad. Hermione is right. It does depend on the person. However, it is the intent which magic is used that determines if it is good or bad. If you are defending yourself or someone else then your intent is good which means that regardless of what spell, charm, curse or hex you use it is good. The same could be said the other way. If you intend to cause harm or destruction for the sake of harm and destruction; then it is bad. Everyone has the potential for both. Even if you respond with your emotions without thinking and are remorseful; then you are still not bad. Only those that are not remorseful are truly evil."
Draco watched understanding come to Harry's eyes. Draco realized that he could totally lose himself in those deep emerald eyes. Wands are also filled with magic themselves. Wands choose the witch or wizard they serve. Wands are not just a tool, but they also aide the witch or wizard, so that they do not quickly deplete their magic before it can be built back up inside their core."
Harry laid his head in Draco's lap. Neither noticed that they were being watched. Draco moved his fingers through Harry's dark and soft hair. He continued to talk. "You are very unique and special. You wield immense power. People fear it, and some seek to control you and guide you to their will. You were beginning to understand this before your memorizes got jumbled. It is okay to think for yourself and make choices, but first you must have full knowledge and understanding. The Dark Lord fears you and your power, because you are his equal. However, you have something that he does not. You have an unknown depth of love and compassion though you have rarely received it. You have saved me and others in many ways."
Harry watched Draco though he seemed to stare at the wall, but did not halt the comforting movement of his hand through Harry's hair. "Every witch and wizard has the ability to use wandless magic; however, the ease of doing it is much harder for the majority of us. It is why we need the use of wands. Except for a rare few like yourself, the ability to use magic without the aid of a wand takes greater concentration and use of power which leaves us open for attack by those that wish to harm us. It hinders us in helping and protecting you. I would like to show you something."
Harry sat up and looked at him. "Do you trust me not to hurt you?" Harry nodded. Draco reached into his robe and pulled out his wand. Harry quickly scooted backwards. "It is okay. I am not going to hurt you." Draco looked around the room. He noticed a quill near the bed. "Watch the quill." Harry nodded. Draco pointed the wand slightly to the left of Harry. "Wingardium Leviosa"
Harry watched as the quill began to fly and move. He glanced at Draco. He noticed the that the quill moved in the direction of the wand. He watched as the quill was guided back to the stand. Draco lowered his wand. "See, wands are not bad or mean that something is bad is going to happen. However, it is always good to keep your wand close and ready to use. It is not always a bad thing to have a wand directed at you, because it is used to heal a person. However, it is always advisable to have your wand in your hand and ready to use. It is always good if a person can use magic with both at the same time though it could be draining."
Draco raised his hand and placed it on Harry's cheek. He wiped away the few remaining tears with his thumb. "Do you understand what have I said?"
Harry grabbed the parchement and quill. Yes. Why do you keep asking if I understand?
"You told me once that you felt like no one understood or listened to you. I want to make sure that there is nothing but understanding between us." Harry stared at Draco. He watched the boy begin to smile and eyes sparkle. "I think I know why you speak in Parseltongue."
Why?
"It is not your fault. I remembered that you wrote and said that no one was truly listening to you or tried to understand what you were trying to say. With you having to write it because we CANNOT understand you, it forces the person to truly pay attention to what you are trying to say. So, when you forced yourself out of the coma your magic responded to your frustration of never being heard. I believe once everyone can prove that they are truly listening and understanding what you are saying and wanting to do; then your magic will allow you to speak in English. It was one of your greatest desires to be truly understood."
"So it is not me." Harry spoke normally but very slowly.
"You are talking." Hermione rushed into the room.
"I think so." Harry looked puzzled because it was in Parseltongue again.
Draco looked shocked then puzzled. "No, there is nothing wrong with you. Your magic is trying to protect you and grant your greatest desire which is to be fully understood. However, I think once a single individual proves that they are truly willing to listen and understand; then it allows you to speak in English; however, from reverting back to Parseltongue; if there are people present that have not truly listened or understood you; then it only allows you to speak in a language that cannot be understood by others."
"Wow, you two are amazing. You have answered several questions in a single day which is more than what we have been able to accomplish all week." Tonks spoke from the doorway.
Harry noticed that today her hair was purple. He went to give her a hug. The rest of the afternoon was actually spent on their studies and being introduced to their instructors which were also under a vow of silence. Dobby brought them dinner. Harry tensed when Tonks used her wand to clean off the table but did not wig out. Everyone relaxed in the common room reading a book or textbook. Soon, they were all saying good night to each other.
Harry did not move from the couch. He watched Tonks take the cups into the kitchen. She was about to open the door to the bedroom that is shared with the other adults when she heard a soft whisper, "Stay." She wiped a tear from her eye before she turned around.
"Where is Remus?" Harry turned and looked at her.
"We thought it would be best if only one of us was here tonight. We did not want you to feel crowded or smothered."
"I do not mind. I can sense that you miss him. I feel comfortable with you both." He spoke very slowly.
"I can firecall him." Harry only nodded. Tonks walked over to the floo. She tossed some powder into and spoke Remus' location. She asked him to come through.
Harry watched still with wonder as Remus stepped through the floo. "Is everything okay?"
"Everything okay." Harry slowly spoke.
Remus turned with a stunned look on his face. "I was wondering if I would ever hear that voice again." Remus smiled.
Harry smiled back. He indicated for Remus to sit next to him. He curled up next to Remus once he sat down. Tonks explained everything that they discovered today. Remus felt slightly hurt that Harry did not feel comfortable with sharing or speaking earlier. "I think I needed to understand what was going on first; then my magic responded accordingly." Harry continued to speak slowly as if it seemed weird to speak in English.
After hours of listening to memories and stories of his parents. Harry yawned and said good night to both of them. He went to his room and fell asleep thinking about the day.
Harry awoke to the soft light in the sky indicating sunrise. He stretched and rose to the door. He stopped when he heard talking.
"How is he adjusting with them being here?" Professor Snape asked.
"Quite well. Hermione was able to find out about the quills and translations. Apparently, they are the work of the castle. She found out why Harry feared wands. He thought that they were destructive and caused only harm." Tonks relayed.
"That is excellent. His more recent memories of wand use were harmful. I am not surprised about that. I have a feeling there is more."
"You are correct. There is a strong connection between Draco and Harry. Draco was able to get Harry to understand about magic and wand use. He even was able to demonstrate causing a quill to fly around the room. He still tenses when he sees one but we have been able to use our wands around him a little. I thought it would be best to get him used to it a little at a time with small things. He still will not touch his."
"That is good be still cause for concern because he needs to get adjusted to using his wand. So, his body can fully heal. All his wandless magic is taking away from the healing process. Anything else?"
"Draco discovered why Harry was speaking in Parseltongue and was able to explain it to him. Once he recognized and understood the reason, his magic seemed to adjust accordingly." Remus replied.
"What was the reason?" Professor Snape inquired.
"Apparently, one of Harry's biggest frustrations before being taken was the fact that a rare few seemed to understand what he was trying to say or feel. So when he forced himself out of the coma, his magic was acting on his greatest desire. So…"
"If it was his greatest desire why Parseltongue, no one understands that." Snape spoke.
"No one seemed to understand when he spoke English, so by speaking in Parseltongue only it forced Harry to write it, which forces everyone to actually pay attention to what he was truly trying to say. However, when he understood this, as I stated his magic acted accordingly. So only those that have proved that they are and have truly listened and understood, his magic allows the words to come out in English; however, if there are those in the room that have not proven to listen and understand, it comes out in Parseltongue. He has spoken normally with only Draco, Remus and myself. If Hermione is in the room; then it reverts back to Parseltongue." Tonks informed him.
"I am sure you have a lot planned for the day. We will leave you to absorb the information."
Harry waited several minutes before opening his door. "Professor." It came out in English with a slight hiss.
Professor Snape turned slightly stunned. "Yes, Harry." He remained seated on the couch. He did not want to startle the boy.
"Do you truly believe that me not using my wand is affecting my ability to become normal?" It was English with a mix of a little hissing still.
"Harry, by any standard, you were never normal, nor will you ever be normal. It is not a bad thing. You are very special and unique and there is nothing wrong with that. Yes, I do believe it affects your ability to return as you once were." Snape spoke.
He leaned forward and looked at Harry. "You have a great affinity for spells and charms. You have great power. However, everyone depletes their magic which each use. You are constantly maintaining occlumency plus the wards around it 24/7 which takes immense power. I have yet to be able to repeat what you have done. We were taught very young that doing magic without a wand all the time leaves one open to danger and drains your core faster. It takes a lot of magic to heal oneself."
"I am afraid to touch my wand." Harry spoke softly but normally.
"Do you remember anything about being taken?" Snape reached over and took Harry's hand.
Harry closed his eyes. He tried to sort through the images/photos. "I see me pointing my wand at a woman. I cannot hear anything. Another image shows her in pain and the man without a nose, which I think is the Dark Lord pointing a wand at me. I could not get my shield up in time without breaking contact with the woman. Next image shows the window breaking. I sense my pain and darkness. Next image shows the Dark Lord leaning out of a hole and pointing his wand and sent something towards me."
"May I get your wand?" Harry could only nod.
Snape returned promptly. He watched Harry tense, lean further back in the chair and pull his knees up to his chest, as he placed the boy's wand on the table in front of him. "May I perform a spell to see what spells you last used?" Harry watched as words appeared in the air: Crucio, Petrificus Totalus, Silencio, Protego Horribilis.
"Does the order mean something?" Harry still holding his knees tightly to his chest.
"Yes, the order means something. Was there someone before the woman?"
"A man."
"That explains a lot. The bottom indicates a shield to protect from what is consider Dark Arts or Dark Magic. The one above it indicates you silencing someone in other words taking their ability to speak away from them. It would seem I am sure that it was quickly followed by the next one which binds a person's body taking away their ability to move any part of their body. The last one is the torture curse which I assume you were using on the woman, who I believe is Bellatrix. The torture curse is classified as an Unforgiveable."
"I dangerous. People fear me. Maybe I should be controlled." Harry whispered rocking back and forth into the chair.
Snape knelt before Harry. He took the boy's hands. He did not stop rocking though. He spoke very softly. "You are not dangerous. You were suddenly taken from your home without permission. You were before two very evil and dangerous people. They tried to harm you. You defended yourself. People fear those who are powerful. It is your life. You are the ONLY one that can dictate what happens to it."
"Can you please take it away?"
Snape picked up the boy's wand and put it back in the box in the boy's room. He closed the drawer. He noticed that the boy had stopped rocking. He definitely sees why they need to build up wand usage.
Harry got up and made tea. He started to make breakfast. Snape noticed that he was not using magic at all this time to help with breakfast. He noticed the smell of breakfast woke the other two teenagers. He noticed Harry slipping back into Parseltongue.
For the next several hours, Snape noticed that Harry did not use magic at all, since he now knew that the quill and parchment is using the castle's magic and not Harry's. It seems that it could be a minor setback because not using magic causes a buildup. His powerful magic could be harmful if it is releases after a period of no use. It will have to be monitored. He went over their potion assignments and spoke privately with Draco before leaving.
Over the next few weeks, several things took place. Harry began to talk to English to everyone. It took him longer with Hermione and Molly. He only speaks with snake language with Naga. The castle began every evening playing ever memory it has captured of Harry over the years. It included every aspect of his life on the ground and in the castle. Hermione and Draco were amazed of all that Harry had been through and done. It was the breakthrough that allowed Harry to speak English in his presence.
The viewing of the memories did not accomplish what they wanted. For Harry, it was like watching home movies but nothing more. He may know everyone in the castle in his life; however, it did not trigger anything within his mind. His mind was still images with no sound. It seemed to frustrate him.
He was able to grasp his studies and progress better than anyone could anticipate with his classes. The only drawback was taking the practical tests. He was still not touching his wand. He had gone back to doing windless magic for the tests. It was causing major concern for everyone.
It was not till the third week in March when something happened. It was about two in the morning when Draco was awakened by Naga crawling on him. Draco knew something was wrong because at night Naga never left Harry's bed. Draco grabbed his wand and rushed into Harry's room.
Draco noticed Harry tossing about the bed. His face was tight and tense. Draco called for Dobby and sent him to get Snape. Being overwhelmed with love and fear, he attempted to enter Harry's mind. He was quickly swept in images of a tower. He could see Fenir and his aunt. The image was slightly distorted as if being viewed through the eyes of a snake.
He heard the Dark Lord speak. He demanded that they find Potter and his condition. Then he spoke to Mr. Crabbe, and he demanded to know what happened. He informed that his son was not allowed back at Hogwarts but Draco was sent to France. Dark Lord insisted that he was lying and sent the Killing Curse at Crabbe and his son. He told Nagini he could eat them. Dark Lord looked at his aunt and told her to see Draco, as well.
The scene faded away; however, Draco could not pull out of Harry's mind. Soon, it was flashes of still images. They were appearing now as wizard photos with slight moment. "You have to release me. I am behind your wards. If I try to push through, then I can harm you or myself."
He kept seeing the random images. Soon, they stop. It was the picture of them laying on the beach. "This is you and I, correct?"
Draco remembers that night very well. It has replayed almost every night since it happened with different results. "Yes." Draco spoke softly trying to control his reaction.
The images rapidly starting changing again. He tried to wait to see what image he came up with next. It was an image he wanted to forget it. "This is you, too"
"Yes." He spoke beneath clenched teeth.
"You did not want to take it. Why?"
"It is a soul bond. I did not want to be connected to something evil. I want to be my own person. I do not want to be connected to anyone."
The images changed again. It was an image of him confronting Harry two years ago. It stopped. "You hated me. What changed?"
"I am not sure it is something that is easy to explain. I always wanted to be your friend. I was always drawn to you. I did not know what your life was like before you came to school. It was always assumed that you grew up in the wizarding world. You turned your back on me. It pissed me off and stung deeply."
The images changed to the Astronomy Tower. He watched their first kiss in the wizard photo. It kept replaying. "Would you be connected to me? Will you be mine? I need you. I cannot sort through this mess. I want to be me, but don't want to be me. Can you understand?"
"Yes, I can understand. Let us get you back completely, and then talk about the other questions. I can promise you this. I will be by your side. Right now, I need to withdraw from your mind. I am draining quickly. I am not going anywhere." Draco felt the darkness. He could feel the wards. It tingled against his mind. He gently withdrew. He collapsed against Harry. He felt arms wrap around him.
Harry curled onto to his side. He pulled Draco against him. Snape moved closer and tried to take Draco. "No! He stays!" Harry glared at Snape. He tightened his arm around Draco. Snape stepped back a few steps.
"What happened?" Snape asked.
"We viewed two people being told to locate me. The woman was also told to speaks to Draco. We watched two people die by the name Crabbe. It went black when someone told my snake to feast on them."
"What else. Draco was trapped for a while?"
"It personal. He got stuck behind my wards. Not sure what I did but suddenly I could not sense him. I go back to sleep." Harry laid his head down and pulled Draco all the way against his back. He closed his eyes.
Snape stepped out of the room. He closed the door. He sat in the chair next the couch. He had a lot to think about because it was starting again. He did not know if this will cause a setback. He sent his patronus to call the other four to come. They had to plan. He needed more information.
Everyone took in the seriousness of the situation. Snape relayed the limited information. "I wished that I had more to go on. I wanted to take Draco and wake him up to get the details if he saw what Harry did when he connected, but Harry would not let me to take him. After the vision, Draco ended up behind Harry's ward and could not get past them, something happened, but Harry will not say."
Molly looked in on the boys. She smiled. Draco was against Harry. Harry's arm laying across Draco's stomach. The snake was laying across both of them just daring someone to come near the boys. She moved into the room and took Harry's camera and took a few pictures.
The sun was shining into the room. Draco felt comfortable and safe. His hand brushed against another hand. He felt the electricity move through him. He was afraid to open his eyes in case he was dreaming. He felt lips brush his cheek. He opened his eyes and smiled as he looked into deep emerald eyes sparkling. "Morning." He smiled back at Harry.
"They have been talking about us for hours. I managed to tune them out because I only wanted to watch you. We should be getting up and see what they want. We will be slammed with questions. I think I made Snape mad. I told him that he did not need to know what happened after the snake. I only stated that I did not know how you got in or out of the wards."